What SHOULD my TRD Pro be able to do?

Entertain me. I bought a new '23 TRD Pro - not because I need to climb rocks, go overlanding, make daily trips to Home Depot, or tow anything. But because I wanted a manual transmission in a new vehicle that maybe had some usefulness outside of just rowing my own gears.

I remember debating between the Off-Road and the Pro, mostly because costs were relatively close once optioned out and availability (for the MT) was just about the same. People said, "if you want to mod right away, go OR - if not, go Pro" I see so many immediate changes - tires, wheels, suspension, hacking away at bumpers and wheel wells, blah blah blah. If you've done any of those, cool, more power to you.

But what should I be able to explore, learn to do, conquer, and get more joy out of my bone STOCK trim truck outside of parallel parking up on a curb and staring back at it?

If it matters, I live in the PNW.

Genuine question. I'd love to get more into any of those things above.

 

Go for anything, until you get stuck, or something breaks. That's the only way you will know.

 

vs. the other trim levels? Lighten your wallet.

 

I strongly suggest going out and wheeling before you mod too much. You will quickly learn what you want, or dont want. You can do a lot in a stock truck.

However, upgrading tires is the single most important thing you can do.

 

That's fair - I joined a few local groups on FB to try and join a trip or two. I'm sure there are some trails that I'd be fine on but I literally have nothing to help me in case of any of those things happening.

I get the tires perspective as most of the stock tires on other vehicles I've owned have been utter trash, but that's from an on-road performance point of view. I hate tossing brand new tires especially as I haven't actually done anything where I feel like I need to upgrade. But would love perspectives that are specific to the Tacoma and off-pavement driving.

 

Just don’t be one of these idiots who tries to cross deep water and drowns their truck.

 

As long as there is another wheeling buddy around you are good.

 

You can do the same in a tacoma that you can in a jeep, or chevy tahoe, or whatever.

I too bought a Tacoma because it's Toyota, and I could get a manual. But I've been wheeling for like 20 years now and I do all my automotive work. It was the best combination.

 

I'd spend some time figuring out what you are into. It's a great truck, you have some amazing mud/water options out in the Olympics. Lots of nasty forest service roads near forks to try. Or you can go climbing up near baker lake. I'd look hard at those trails in a few months too much snow now. Always carry tow gear, water and a pot pipe. Enjoy!!

 

Unfortunately, people, not vehicles, do those things above. You could use a Prius or a CRV and do those things above.
Your truck is simply a better tool to go off-road than a CRV but you, the person, should want to do it regardless of vehicle.

 

@milesbeyond, I’ve resisted the pressures to “upgrade” everything right away, and committed to see what the truck can do as is. I honestly haven’t been disappointed yet! And the stock tires are not junk. There are much better tires, yes, but the stocks Wranglers will get you started. The 14” of snow we got here last week was completely doable and a lot of fun!

 

I have a stock pro except for maxxis razr at tires. I’ve only been off roading once and had a great time. It’ll do everything I want it to as it came from the factory. I even have the oem tire size, however I’ll prob get bigger tires next. Like the OP I didn’t want to modify this truck, already have modified vehicles that give me enough headaches.

 

Sure, sure. I hope my point did come across though that I want to do those things! I’ve purchased a tool not necessarily with the intent to, but am wanting to.

 

There’s actually a great graph that explains this. I don’t have it so I’ll just explain it.

As you start to fuck around, you will slowly get closer to finding out. If you fuck around a lot, you’ll probably find out a lot about what a PRO can do.

 

Alright, a different way....
Going off-road successfully is 90% driver skill and 10% vehicle.
Your truck can do things that you won't have the courage to do for a long time.
So, learn. Start easy.

 

You shouldn’t have any problem picking up Mountain Goats

 

It can go pretty much anywhere you want to take it as it sits, except for the mall...if you want to take it to the mall, you have to lift it and bolt a bunch of parts on there before you can get to the mall and back safely.

 

River crossing is the newest latest thing in off roading.

 

Leave it as is - for now. (Other than tires). - I would avoid E rated tires.

Don't weigh the truck down with fashion accessories. Functional always looks good, and you already have a great platform to start with.

You'll be surprised at what the taco can do.

Go explore Places you can reach with a Taco. Dont forget to air down when suitable. Be aware that damage can come from below. Tires can slip and rocks are hard and unforgiving.

Add bits you find necessary ONLY as you find them necessary. Do find a basic tire plug kit and a compressor to enable airing down.

I enjoy using good sense and excercise driving skills off-road. Test your limits gradually. Anticipate dumb decisions and regrettable outcomes.

Contrary to many others, I don't enjoy breaking stuff needlessly. (In AUS, that may mean waiting weeks for a rescue). Breaking stuff is not pleasant and it is expensive. If something does not break, it may deform, youll find that out later on.

I don't send it. I don't catch air, go into 3' of mud, unless necessary.

I've had Landcruisers up to the windshield in water crossings and bogged in mud up in Cape York - But was prepared for those occasions. No water issues - Still - It is not worth the potential damage.

Figure out who in the group has real offroad skills - it most likely won't be the guy sending it - or wanting you to send it.

 

Backflips! Your TRD Pro SHOULD do backflips.